Liberty Host Candace Parker & LA Sparks

Ros Gold-Onwude

The New York Liberty host Candace Parker and the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday, August 10th, at 1:00pm ET at the Prudential Center!
The Liberty (9-12) return to the Prudential Center after a come-from-behind win over the Washington Mystics, 93-88, at home on August 6th. After a rough third quarter in which New York was outscored 25-17 by Washington, the Liberty responded with a 31-17 fourth quarter effort to secure the win. While New York’s defense allowed the Mystics to shoot a solid 42% from the field, the Liberty combat that with an offensive resurgence, shooting 54% from the field, 62% from three and only giving up 12 turnovers in the game. Alex Montgomery shined with 21 points off the bench. Cappie Pondexter boosted the team with 21 points and 8 assists. Kara Braxton pumped out 16 points and Katie Smith added 11 points. Plenette Pierson played a balanced game totaling 8 points, 10 assists and 6 rebounds in the game.

The Los Angeles Sparks (15-7) are led by Candace Parker and Nneka Ogwumike in the post and Kristi Toliver and Lindsey Harding on the perimeter. Los Angeles comes off of a 74-64 win over the Indiana Fever on August 8th. Candace Parker returned to the court after missing three games due to a wrist injury. Parker scored 17 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and dished 4 assists in her return. In Parker’s absence, Jantel Lavender picked up the slack and has recorded double digit scoring in the last three games. Lavender shot 9-13 from the floor and scored 12 or her 18 points in the first half to go along with 9 rebounds against Indiana. Ogwumike scored 14 points on impeccable 7-8 shooting and Harding added 12 points. Toliver struggled from the field, scoring only 5 points on 1-6 shooting. As a team the Sparks shot 54% from the field and only took 3 three point attempts in the game.

Keys To The Game:.

Battle of the Bigs!
NY’s Braxton, Bone and Pierson are playing well in the paint. However, LA’s Parker, Ogwumike and Lavender are playing well in the paint, too. Who can enforce their will inside? It will be a battle of the Bigs and a battle on the boards. Parker and Ogwumike are athletic and aggressive- the Liberty can’t allow extra opportunities at the rim for them meaning the Bigs have to box out!

Transition D.
The Sparks are a fast paced team and play well in transition. Getting back, early ball-stopping and communication on identifying shooters in transition will be important for New York.

Where to watch: The game will be televised on MSG+ and is also available on WNBA Live Access.

20% Off New York Liberty Jerseys!

On August 10th only, receive 20% off all jerseys at the Liberty’s merchandise store on the main concourse by section 19 at the Prudential Center!